FC Goa records 4-1 win against Chennaiyin FC
In such a scenario, FC Goa will directly qualify for the semi-finals whereas the Mariners will have to battle for a place in the last-four through the playoffs route.
FC Goa players celebrate after their win
GOA: FC Goa intensified its pursuit of a second-place finish in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages with a clinical 4-1 win against Chennaiyin FC at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday. As a result of this victory, the Gaurs round off their league campaign with 45 points from 22 matches. They are thus level on points with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which has played a game fewer (21) than FC Goa currently.
The Mariners will play their final league fixture against Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. A victory will see them become the ISL 2023-24 League Winners, whereas a draw will mean that they will slip into the third spot. In such a scenario, FC Goa will directly qualify for the semi-finals whereas the Mariners will have to battle for a place in the last-four through the playoffs route. Regardless of Monday’s result, this win was essential for FC Goa for it to remain in the hunt for the second spot, and it got that in some style with three goals in quick succession towards the end of the first half.
Chennaiyin FC, which is already into the playoffs, began the game strongly, as a strike by Rahim Ali in the 13th minute meant that it got a foot ahead in this away clash. Ninthoinganba Meetei spotted an onrushing Rahim on the inside channel of the right flank, and the latter received and converted the same with sublime ease to net the opening strike.
However, it was all FC Goa from there onwards, as its skilful frontline joined hands to trouble the Marina Machans from all ends of the box. It started with Carlos Martinez moving the ball up on the right before laying it in the path of Seriton Fernandes near the touchline. The latter crossed in the ball and it was tapped home by midfielder Borja Herrera in the 33rd minute to bag the equaliser.
Livewire winger Boris Singh eased things for FC Goa by drawing a foul off Sachu Siby inside the penalty area in the 35th minute, leading to the sending off of the latter. Martinez, who was a key character in building up Herrera’s goal, stepped up for the spot-kick duties and completed them effortlessly by hitting the ball into the bottom left corner.
